| NEWS | July 22, 2026 |
Newmarket, ON: On Thursday, MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy heard from representatives from the Women’s Support Network of York Region (WSN) about a youth program they’re delivering thanks to a $100,000 Seed grant that they received last year from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The year-long grant is helping to promote and implement a short-term counselling model for youth, and pilot group counselling sessions for youth survivors of sexual violence.
“Young people deserve access to timely and compassionate support when they need it most,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “Through Ontario government funding provided to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Women’s Support Network of York Region is expanding counselling services to help more youth survivors of sexual violence access the care they need. I’m proud to see this investment strengthen local services and make a positive difference for young people across York Region.”
Young populations are at the highest risk of experiencing sexual violence . Reflecting this reality, WSN) has seen increasing referrals to its counselling services in recent years. Funds from the grant are being used to help with some program staffing and administrative costs, as well as with group counselling session supplies and assistance with babysitting and transit costs for participants. Seed grants help organizations to pilot programs and services that can benefit members of the community.
“WSN is pleased to announce funding of $100,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Seed stream” said Kelly Collins, WSN Board Chair. “Thanks to Ontario Trillium Foundation, WSN will be able to deliver increased support to youth aged 13-24 over one year to pilot a new short-term counselling model for youth and group counselling for young sexual violence survivors.”
“More and more, sexual violence survivors are reaching out for support,” said Dr. Jacqueline Benn-John, Executive Director, WSN. “While it is positive that more survivors are finding the courage to get help, it can also lead to service pressures. In 2024, WSN responded to 2301 crisis contacts and saw 302 survivors served in its counselling programs throughout York Region. But in the last year, these numbers increased to 3643 crisis calls and chats, and 528 survivors in individual counselling. ”
Youth particularly feel the isolating effects of sexual violence. After sexual violence, many youth report “having to bear the weight of not being believed, understood, or taken seriously after they reach out for support” .
This project will: Reduce wait times for counselling for youth by piloting a new short-term counselling model; and Break isolation by creating and piloting group counselling for young sexual violence survivors.
“Both service options serve more clients over time and ensure timely trauma-informed supports for youth survivors of sexual violence. In supportive groups, young survivors of violence can be themselves, inclusive of their experience of violence, and be with others who have had similar experiences,” added Benn-John. ““Access to supports when you need it is so key for sexual violence survivors. We are really pleased to be ableto try out new means of support for younger survivors of violence in our community, thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.